Apparatus and method for termite elimination



April 25, 1961 B. J. WOODSON- APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TERMITE ELIMINATION Filed June 19, 1957 B LLy C]: M00504 IN VEN TOR.

Arrawuqm United States Patent APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TERMITE ELIMINATION 1 Billy J. Woodson, RR. 1, Box 396, 'Colton, Calif.

Filed June 19, 1957, Ser. No. 666,742 12 claims. oi. 43-124 This invention relates generally to improvements in the prevention of damage by destructive organisms; more particularly, it relates -to improved method and means for applying preventive substances to building elements.

Prior to the present invention, a number of different types of methods and apparatus have been developed for use in applying toxic liquids beneath the floors of conventional .housing constructions and in other various similar locations for the purpose of exterminating or discouraging insects and other organisms. In particular, a number of methods have been developed for applying toxic liquids to exterminate and prevent termites. In spite of the large amount of development work in this field there remain decided problems and none of the methods presently utilized are considered to be completely satisfactory for the. purpose intended.

A widely utilized method for applying toxic liquid to prevent termite damage is the manual use of a spray nozzle. Using this method, an operator must enter locations such as the spaces beneath the floor of a house and operate a spray nozzle in various locations. This general procedure is disadvantageous for a variety of reasons. Termites frequently inhabit locations which are inaccessible to an operator. The liquids used in order to exterminate or prevent termites are toxic, so an operator using a spray beneath the floor of a dwelling or in similar locations must wear some mask which is uncomfortable and sometimes partially ineffective for the purpose intended.

Other methods and apparatus have been developed wherein permanently mounted means are positioned in inaccessible locations. For example, structures resembling common wicks have been mounted so as to convey by capillary action toxic liquids into inaccessible locations. Such apparatus is disadvantageous in that it requires frequent attention, the means for conveying the liquid areapt to deteriorate, and the apparatus is difiicult to service if it becomes inoperative, because of the inaccessible locations. A double pipe arrangement has been developed wherein a pipe having openings is permanently mounted in spaces to be treated. A flexible secondary pipe is inserted through the pipe thus mounted, and toxic liquid is supplied through openings in the secondary pipe and is sprayed through the openings formed in the permanently mounted pipe. Great difilculty is presented by clogging or blocking of the pipe or its openings by dirt, corrosion or other causes. The pipe must be cleaned before its infrequent uses. This is most difficult because of the inaccessible locations. The system is not highly practical and the costs of the permanent piping and its installation are high.

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide improved apparatus for applying substances for prevention of damage to structures by organisms in inaccessible locations.

It is a principal and closely related object of this invention to provide an improved method for applying substances for prevention of damage by organisms in inaccessible locations.

It is an object of the present invention to provide means whereby structures may be periodically treated with toxic substances in normally inaccessible locations from a fpointexternal of foundation structure without necessarily requiring personal access of an'operator under or within the structures. 1

It is an object of the invention to provide permanent low-madman or guide'means to facilitate the introduction to and removal from remote or normally inaccessible zones of a conduit for a toxic substance.

It is an object ofv the present invention to provide a means and method for applying substances for prevention of damage to structures by organisms, in which costly apparatus may be utilized as portable equipment and moved from building to building for periodic treatment more efficiently and at lower cost than heretofore possible.

Other objects and features of the present invention,"

as Well as many advantages thereof, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure l is a diagrammatic plan view, partially in section, showing the foundation and floor support elements of a building;

Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional elevational view, taken at line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view, showing details of certain elements shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view taken at line 4-4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an enlarged detailed view taken at line 55 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a partial elevational view, in section and analogous to a portion of Figure 2, showing an alternative floor and support construction;

Figure 7 is a sectional elevational view taken at line 77 of Figure l; and t Figure 8 is a partial sectional view taken at line 88 of Figure 7.

In all figures of the drawing, like numerals designate like parts for convenience of explanation.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, there is illustrated a preferred form of the apparatus of the present invention. A floor 10 is supported by the joists 12 which are in turn supported by the girders 14. Girders 14 are conventionally mounted on concrete foundations 16, as shown in Figure 2. The metal sleeves 18 in foundations 16 are spaced (as shown in Figure l) to provide access to each enclosure defined by foundation 16, girders 14 and joists 12. Preferably the exterior ends of the sleeves 18 are threaded, as shown, so that each sleeve 18 may be closed by means of a threaded plug 24, as shown in :Figure 3. Each sleeve 18 is preferably short in length and flanged for attachment to a foundation, as shown in Figure 3, before the outer wall covering 19 is applied. It may alternately be unfianged and may extend through the foundation.

A wire 26 is mounted between each pair of girders and parallel thereto within each enclosure 20 irnmediately beneath joists 12. Hooks 28 support each wire and are so located that wire 26 is aligned with sleeves 18. Hooks 28 are preferably embedded in foundation 16, although they may be otherwise mounted. A turnbuckle 30 is provided in each wire for convenience in adjusting so as to eliminate slack in the wire. A small stop member or knot 32 (Figure 3) may be provided on wire 26 for a purpose hereinafter described.

An elongated rigid pipe 34, shown in Figures 2 and 3 is utilized and is-inserted through sleeve 18 after plug '24 has been removed. Pipe 34 is provided with a row At a convenient distance from the end of pipe 34 remote from sleeve 18, a pair of flanges 44 and 46 are attached to pipe 34 to accommodate a ringlike terminal section 48 of a hook 50 which extends from pipe 34.

As shown in Figure 5, ringlike section 48 has a depression 52 adjacent to flange 44. Depression 52 is adapted to engage a ball 54 held generally within an opening 56 in flange 44 and urged by a spring 58 towards ringlike section 48. From the foregoing description, it will be understood that the ball and depression arrangement,

'shown in Figure 5, constitutes a spring-biased assembly which serves to prevent rotation of hook 50 relative to pipe 34 when depression 52 engages ball 54.

In utilizing the illustrated apparatus of the present invention, pipe 34 is inserted through one of sleeves 18 into an enclosure 20. Hook 50 is prevented from rotation by means of ball 54 until after the hook is brought into engagement with wire 26 (as shown) so that the hook serves to support pipe 34 within enclosure and to guide the insertion of pipe 34 within the space 20.

Pipe 34 is inserted within enclosure 20 until hook 50 contacts stop member 32 which serves as a reference to automatically dispose pipe 34, especially cap 38, in the proper location for spraying. A toxic liquid under pressure is supplied through a flexible hose 60 to pipe 34 and is projected in a spray from apertures 36 and slot 40. As fluid is being applied in this manner, pipe 34 may be rotated by an operator. to direct a spray of liquid against virtually all of the various wood members defining enclosure 20, as well as against adjacent members and the soil beneath. Application of liquid may be observed through sleeve 18. It will be understood that during such rotation of pipe 34, ball 54 is moved against spring 58 out of engagement with depression 52 by manual force to permit rotation of pipe 34 relative to hook 50.

It will be understood from the foregoing discussion that fluid may be supplied to pipe 34 by such means as a portable pump, compressor and tank assembly. Such apparatus, together with proper pipes could be furnished by individuals who render termite proofing service, thus minimizing the apparatus and investment required by the property-holder.

The end of pipe 34 on which cap 40 is mounted may be so positioned, with reference to stop member 32 or visually, that fluid spray through slot 40 will reach otherwise inaccessible structural members. The width of dispersion of the spray may be varied according to the design of slot 40, and the distance reached by the spray may be varied according to fluid pressure in the pipe.

After the desired amount of toxic liquid (determined by timing or by fluid gauging) has been applied in the manner described, pipe 34 is withdrawn along wire 26 and rotated until depression 52 engages ball 54 to prevent rotation of hook 50 so the latter may be disengaged from wire 26. The pipe is withdrawn through sleeve 18.

The foregoing operation is repeated for each enclosure 20 by inserting pipe through each sleeve 18 and proceeding as hereinbefore described. Preferably these sleeves 18 and the corresponding wires 26 are located parallel to one another at periodic intervals, as determined by the structure to be treated, to insure adequate coverage.

Obviously, the basic principles of the present invention are applicable to a wide variety of diflerent structures. In Figure 6 there is shown a construction wherein conventional joists are not employed, tongue-and-groove flooring being mounted directly on girders. Pipe 34' is inserted directly beneath girders 14' which are directly supported on foundation 16'. The spacing of openings for the admission of the pipe is at appropriate intervals for coverage, without regard to the spacing of girders relative to joists (as in Figures 1 and 2). Higher fluid pressure and wider spray are more convenient with this type of construction.

It will be understood that pipe 34 may be inserted into inaccessible enclosures or locations through any of a wide variety of openings, other than the sleeve structures shown. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to use in household applications. Obviously the basic features of this invention are applicable to the treatment 'of any type of inaccessible location, either adjacent to the ground or in such locations as the attic of a building.

An important advantage of the present invention is that comparatively rustproof and weatherproof apparatus may be permanently disposed in permanent locations at a comparatively small cost. Wires 26, hooks 28, turnbuckles 30, sleeves 18 and the pipe 34 may be made of galvanized iron or some other corrosion resistant material. A single means for applying a toxic liquid as herein described may be used with any of such structures, and may be taken from one location to another as commercial reasons may dictate. Cost, deterioration and clogging of pipes are among the problems thus alleviated.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same are by way of illustration and example only; it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, as many variations will be readily apparent to those versed in the art and the invention is to be given its broadest possible interpretation within the terms of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A device for use in dispensing fluid in a relatively inaccessible location, comprising an elongated pipe having a plurality of aligned apertures along the length thereof, a hook rotatably mounted on said pipe intermediate its ends, and means carried by the pipe for selectively restricting rotation of said hook, whereby said hook may be engaged with a supporting member without rotation and whereby said pipe is rotatable after said engagement with said supporting member.

2. A device for use in dispensing a fluid in a relatively inaccessible space, comprising an elongated rigid pipe having a plurality of apertures adapted for use as nozzles along the length thereof, means defining a nozzle at the end of said pipe, a hook assembly rotatably mounted on said pipe intermediate its ends and means carried by the pipe for restricting rotation of said hook, whereby said hook may be engaged with a supporting member without rotation thereof relative to said pipe, said means being operative to disengage said hook from said pipe to permit rotation of said hook with respect to said pipe after said hook has engaged said supporting member, said hook serving to support said pipe.

3. A device for use in dispensing fluid in a relatively inaccessible location, comprising an elongated pipe formed of rigid material having a plurality of apertures aligned along the length thereof, said apertures being adapted to be used as nozzles in dispensing fluid, a hook rotatably mounted on said pipe intermediate its ends and extending therefrom, flange means on said pipe adjacent to said hook to limit movement of said hook axially of said pipe; and resilient means carried by the pipe for limiting rotation of said hook, whereby said book may be engaged with a supporting member without rotation thereof, said means being operative to disengage said hook from said pipe to permit rotation of said pipe relative to said book after said hook has engaged said supporting member.

4. A device for use in applying termite preventive fluid in a relatively inaccessible location in a building structure, comprising an elongated rigid pipe having a plurality of apertures aligned along the length thereof,

said apertures being adapted for use as nozzles, means defining a nozzle in the end of said pipe, a hook rotatably mounted on said pipe intermediate its ends, said hook extending from said pipe, flange means on said pipe adjacent to each side of said hook, said flange means limiting movement of said book along the length of said pipe, means defining a depression in said hook, and spring loaded means mounted on said flange means, said spring loaded means normally extending into said depression to prevent rotation of said hook with respect to said pipe, said spring loaded means being adapted todisengage said depression when said hook engages a supporting member adapted to removably and operably engage said hook, thereby permitting rotation of said pipe while said hook engages said supporting member.

5. In combination a device for dispensing a fluid in a relatively inaccessible space, comprising means defining an opening communicating with said space, support means mounted Within said space, said support means extending across said space, an elongated pipe of rigid material adapted to be inserted into said space through said opening having a plurality of aperturesaligned along the length thereof, and a hook mounted on said pipe intermediate the ends thereof, said hook being capable of operably engaging said support means.

6. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid in a restricted space, comprising means defining an opening communicating with said space, a wire mounted within said space adjacent to said opening and extending across said space, an elongated pipe of rigid material adapted to be inserted into said space through said opening, said pipe having a plurality of apertures, said apertures being aligned along the length of said pipe and being adapted for use as nozzles, a hook rotatably mounted on said pipe intermediate the ends thereof, said hook extending from said pipe and being capable of operably engaging said wire, and means carried by the pipe for restricting rotation of said hook relative to said Wire, whereby said hook may be engaged with said wire without rotation thereof, said means being operative to permit rotation of said pipe after said hook has engaged said Wire, said wire being positioned to guide and support said pipe during insertion thereof into said space by said engagement.

7. In combination, a device for applying a toxic fluid for insect extermination and prevention in a relatively inaccessible location in a building, comprising means defining an opening communicating with said location, a wire mounted within said location and extending thereacross, an elongated rigid pipe adapted to be inserted into said location through said opening, said pipe having a plurality of apertures aligned along its length, said apertures being adapted for use as nozzles for the application of said fluid, means defining a nozzle in the end of said pipe, a hook rotatably mounted on said pipe intermediate its ends and adapted to operably engage said wire, said hook extending from said pipe, flange means formed on said pipe adjacent to each side of said hook, said flange means limiting movement of said hook along the length of said pipe, means defining a depression in said hook, and spring loaded means mounted on said flange means, said spring loaded means normally extending into said depression means to prevent rotation of said hook with respect to said pipe during insertion of said pipe through said opening and during engagement of said hook with said wire, said spring loaded means being adapted to disengage said depression means to permit rotation of said pipe while said hook serves to support said pipe.

8. A method of dispensing fluid in a relatively inaccessible space by utilizing an opening communicating with said space and a supporting member extending across said space, said method comprising inserting a perforated pipe having a hook located thereon through said opening, engaging said hook with said supporting member; further inserting said pipe into said space through said opening while utilizing the engagement of said hook with said supporting member to guide and support said pipe within said space, and dispensing a fluid within said space through the perforations in said pipe, and rotating said pipe to facilitate said dispensing.

9. A method of dispensing a fluid in a relatively inaccessible space by utilizing an opening communicating with said space and a supporting member extending across said space, said method comprising inserting through said opening a rigid perforated pipe having a hook rotatably mounted thereon, engaging said hook with said supporting member, further inserting said pipe into said space through said opening While utilizing the engagement of said hook with said supporting member to guide and support said pipe within said space, and dispensing a fluid Within said space through said perforations in said pipe while rotating said pipe with respect to said hook, said hook serving to support said pipe during said rotation.

10. In a device for dispensing a fluid in a relatively inaccessible space, the combination comprising means defining an opening communicating with said space, support means comprising an elongated member permanently mounted within said space, an elongated pipe of rigid material adapted to be inserted into said space through said opening, said pipe having a plurality of apertures aligned along its length, a hook mounted on the pipe intermediate the ends thereof and adapted to operably engage said support means, means for limiting movement of the book along the pipe, detent means on the pipe normally to prevent rotation of the hook, said detent means comprising a release mechanism operative to allow rotation of the hook, and means on said elongated member engageable by said hook to position the hook relative to the elongated member, whereby said hook is adapted to engage said elongated member to guide and position the pipe and the pipe is adapted for rotation relative the hook.

11. A fluid dispensing device according to claim 10, wherein the release mechanism comprises a spring detent latch adapted to release the hook to allow relative rotation of the pipe upon application of rotating force to the pipe.

12. In a device for the extermination of termites and the like, the combination comprising a building structure having therein a relatively inaccessible space and a restricted opening communicating with said space, support means comprising an elongated member permanently mounted in and extending across said space, an elongated pipe of rigid material adapted to be inserted into said space through said restricted opening and having a plurality of apertures aligned along its length adapted for the dispensing of exterminating fluid, a hook mounted on said pipe intermediate the ends thereof and adapted to operably engage said support means, means for limiting movement of said hook along said pipe, detent means carried by the pipe for normally preventing rotation of the hook while the hook is being engaged with said elongated member, said detent means embodying a release mechanism for allowing rotation of the hook relative to the pipe upon the application of rotating force to the pipe, and means on the elongated member engageable by the hook for positioning the hook and pipe, whereby the pipe may 'be extended into the space, hooked onto the elongated member, guided by the elongated member, and whereby fluid may be dispensed from the pipe during rotation thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 762,014- Wittbold June 7, 1904 1,225,857 Rauhut May 15, 1917 2,288,722 Lear July 7, 194-2 

